My view from the sofa. Do you see the blue angel?
Today I realize so much has changed in the 14 days since surgery on January 10. Life is taking on modified routines, including deliberate care for my energy flow. This routine could work for just about anyone, so I will share it in hope that readers might also benefit.
Movement, Energy and Mood Self Care:
Each day after breakfast I have been enjoying this 30-minute mild intensity workout:
- 3 minutes rhythmic tapping EFT point to a favorite upbeat song
- 2 minutes of spine stretching – yoga cat/cow on all fours, followed by rolling up and down my spine while on my back (legs bent lets/hands on knees)
- 10 minutes upper body reaches to upbeat songs. This can include boxing, shoulder rolls, and left/right crossing the mid-line. Knowing that cross crawl can integrate energy and lift mood, this has felt extremely natural and good for me.
- 10 minutes hand held weight work to music
- 5 minutes abdominal crunches and twists from the floor
- Finish with singing out loud to a specific special song while tapping and focusing on my solar plexus. I feel my voice getting stronger every day. While not a singer, I enjoy feeling the sound move through me. Tapping as I sing, with one hand on my diaphragm is very healing right now.
Nutrition:
I am eating 3-4 small meals daily, with a focus on high quality protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, small portions and an abundance of nuts, while also limiting sugars. Sugar control has come from reading labels, relying on only low-sugar fruits (berries/tart apple/kiwi) and keeping away from processed foods with sugar added. The unsweetened nut butters with green apples or in protein shakes really keep me feeling satisfied and clear-headed. I am tracking everything I eat, including the time, dining situation and feelings. I am grateful for how respectful visitors have been regarding my food choices. I’m also slowly getting back into the kitchen on my knee scooter.
Self-Awareness:
Writing each day in my journal allows for tracking progress, mood and worries that spring up. My daily check in (the same process used in the Energy Makeover Journal) includes physical inventory, emotional intensity awareness, gratitude work and an affirmation. My daily journal inspires focused EFT work.
For example, today I challenged myself to list worries and possible disappointments that were on my mind. Once the list was on paper, I was able to admit each thing, tap on the issue with the goal of neutralizing or gaining a better understanding of the root of the feeling. Today’s issues had one big thing in common – none of them were in my control. That resulted in additional tapping about my need to control my life and the world around me. After using EFT, I was much more centered and accepting of uncertainty.
I also felt ready to see my doctor this Friday for suture removal and can accept the limits that may continue to be part of my life after this appointment. I conclude after today’s EFT work that my surgeon has consistently given me truthful information and that I can trust him even if he says something I don’t want to hear. That was a big and comforting shift. No more energy wasted on stuff I can’t control.
What I Allow in My Mind:
The past week has been bumpy for many Americans as the inauguration and women’s march took over our screens and news feeds. The online fighting has intensified. I care about our country, however I have pulled away from the drama and refuse to comment on either side. Instead I’m getting more deeply into reading Bruce Springsteen’s memoir, Born to Run and watching The Good Wife on Amazon Prime and Victoria on PBS. Thank goodness for these intelligent stories about good people using their talents to improve the world around them. Even fiction can inspire, so choose stories to mold a better you.
Connections and Visitors:
Now that I’m physically feeling better, a beautiful parade of visitors has begun. I am grateful for the way they break up my days, help with meals, bless me with flowers and give me good things to think about. These connections are huge for my healing. I’m not used to being on the receiving end after years of mostly helping other people. They are helping me learn what it is like to receive and caring enough to help. Everyone needs a connection and it can come through email, text, and social media, in person or by phone. Reach out to someone who might need a boost. If that person is you, ask for help!
